*The Department for Education (DFE) have recently announced that they intend to freeze tuition fees for the 2018/19 year. This is still subject to parliamentary approval. Once confirmed we will update our web pages accordingly.

Course type

MComp (Hons)

UCAS info

Points required:
120

UCAS code: C468

Institute code: L51

Study mode

Four years full time or five years with one year spent on industrial placement

About your course

Completing the MComp (Hons) Computer Games Development at Liverpool John Moores University will enable you to graduate with a Masters-level qualification. Plus you will have advanced level skills and experience that will boost your career prospects in the challenging and exciting computer games industry.

Academic society (LJMU IGDA Academic Chapter) and annual student events such as LJMU Game Showcase and LJMU Game Jam.

Opportunity to undertake a year's paid industrial placement thanks to our links with over 450 local, national and international organisations, including SCEE, Lucid Games, Atomicom, Damibu, Setgo Games, Fish in a Bottle, TribePlay in China

Regular visits by game industry professionals who offer career and technical advice

Our dedicated Games Technology Lab is equipped with Development Kits for major console and handheld systems along with Sony PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360 consoles and PlayStation Vita.

LJMU game course definitely opened the door of game industry for me. Since graduated, I have worked on a few AAA titles in industry respected game studios. Now I run my own game studio to make next-gen PlayStation and VR game. For me, this course has helped me realised my dream.

Work-related learning

The Department of Computer Science has strong links with many local, national and international games development companies including SCEE, Atomicom, Lucid Games, Damibu, Setgo Games, Eutechnyx, and Jagex to name but a few.

We work closely with these companies to ensure that the course material is up-to-date, and our graduates are able to meet the demands expected by the industry.

Our strong links also mean that you will have plenty of options when you come to choose your third year work placement. We have placed students in game development companies locally, nationally and internationally, including Chengdu in China.

Support and guidance

Dedicated personal tutor plus study skills support

You will be allocated a personal tutor who will work with you on setting targets for yourself as part of your personal development plan, and provide one-to-one support on course-related or other matters.

If you decide to undertake a year’s work placement, this support will continue as a supervisor will stay in close contact and visit you at your workplace.

Course details

Computer games development is a very technically demanding process. The games industry sits at the pinnacle of cutting edge software engineering and the highly dynamic digital creative industries.

Computer games development is a very technically demanding process. The games industry sits at the pinnacle of cutting edge software engineering and the highly dynamic digital creative industries.

As part of this degree, you will study a range of state-of-the-art topics relevant to the games industry, including:

Multi-platform (PC and consoles) gameplay programming, including techniques such as game content pipelining, multi-threading, artificial intelligence, memory management and optimisation

Game design, level design, game production and digital game content production.

Research and development of innovative and state-of-the-art game development technologies

Computer graphics

Mathematical abilities

Computer programming

Console and PC hardware architecture

Facilities

During your studies, you will have direct access to experts in the field as well as state-of-the-art facilities. Our dedicated Games Technology Lab is equipped with Development Kits for major console and handheld systems along with Sony PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 consoles as well as PlayStation Vita.All are supported by industry standard software plus excellent technical support. This means you will get plenty of hands-on experience and the best chance to build up a portfolio of your work to show to prospective employers.In addition, you will have access to around 300 high-specification PCs in the Department of Computer Science's other computing laboratories.

What you will study on this degree

Please see guidance on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.

Level 4

Computer Programming

Computer Systems

Game Design

Applied Mathematics for Computer Graphics

Web Development

Professional Development

Data Modelling

Level 5

Data Structures and Algorithms

Computer Graphics Programming

Game Asset Creation

Software Engineering

Game Physics and AI Techniques for Games

Research Skills

Professional Issues

Sandwich degree:

Year-long work placement

Level 6

Game Engine

Virtual and Augmented Reality

Rendering Techniques

Level Design and Production

Plus a large individual project

Level 7

Research Methods

Advanced Software Engineering Techniques for Games

Application of games for non-entertainment domain

Console Game Programming

Plus a masters' level project

Further guidance on modules

The information listed in the section entitled ‘What you will study’ is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal Academic Framework review, so may be subject to change. Students will be required to undertake modules that the University designates as core and will have a choice of designated option modules. Additionally, option modules may be offered subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Please see the programme specification document for further details on this course.

Teaching and learning

Excellent facilities and learning resources

You will begin the course with a 5-day induction and then spend between 15 to18 hours per week in the classroom. Independent study is a fundamental element of the course and accounts for about 70% or 35 hours of your weekly study time.

Teaching is mostly delivered via lectures with more informal computer lab sessions and small-group tutorials to reinforce ideas discussed in the class and to give you a chance to develop ideas with staff and other students.

In addition to formal lectures and workshop sessions, there are also regular seminars delivered by external speakers and visiting lecturers.

Your lecturers

Expert tuition and support

The course is delivered by an experienced team of staff, including a Professor in Computer Entertainment, who has experience working in the computer entertainment industry for over 20 years and a former game developer at Codemasters.

Academic staff in the Department of Computer Science actively participate in research to further the development of state-of-the-art computing technologies. They publish their work regularly in books, journals and international conferences.

Research within the Department is recognised internationally in the area of Networked Systems and Security, Computer Entertainment and Neural Networks.

The Department attracts additional funding from the UK and European Union research councils and public and private sector bodies, such as the BBC.

Assessment and feedback

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose

You will be assessed by a combination of coursework and exams, a personal independent project and a Masters level final year dissertation.

This is an extensive piece of research work in an applications domain relevant to your academic or professional interests. It is intended to provide you with an opportunity to undertake a major investigation and produce a major dissertation on the outcome of the work.

Assessment of the project will be based on this dissertation and presentations of the work.

The work carried out during the project is expected to have a strong research component and will, in many cases, be appropriate in forming the basis of further academic research, such as a PhD programme.

Entry requirements

Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements

Minimum points required from qualifications

120

Application and selection

​We are looking for students who are keen to learn new skills and develop those they already possess. We want students with the ability to: be creative with ideas and concepts, moderate their creativity with logic, be enthusiastic and thirsty for knowledge, communicate effectively and confidently and understand and adapt to a wide range of issues connected with the subject. It is also important that students are able to manage time and tasks effectively as an individual and as part of a team, use appropriate sources to find and organise information and select and critically evaluate information in order to analyse problems.If you would like to develop these skills further, have a strong interest in this subject area and want to work effectively within it, then this is the course for you!

GCSE and equivalents

Applicants must have obtained grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or
• Key Skills Level 2 in English/ Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/ English
• Functional skills level 2 in Maths/ English Prior to starting the programme
"

A Levels

Minimum number of A Levels required: 2

Is general studies acceptable? Yes

Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

Average A Level offer: BBB

Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20

BTEC qualifications

BTEC certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

90 credit diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

Diploma (QCF): Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

Diploma subjects / grades required: To the total of 120 UCAS points when combined with other qualifications

Extended diploma (QCF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Extended diploma subjects / grades required: DDM if studied on its own or to the total of 120 UCAS points if combined with other qualifications

Access to Higher Education Diploma

Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Not acceptable

International Baccalaureate

International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Additional information: 26 IB Diploma Points

Welsh awards

Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

Irish awards

Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check via NARIC.

Finance and fees

Find out more about the student funding that you may be eligible for from either LJMU or the government. This section will give you information about grants and loans as well as targeted support for students with children, adult dependants or those with a disability.

Please note that the amount of money you will receive as a student is dependent on where in the UK you normally live (i.e. England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland).

LJMU scholarships

LJMU's scholarships are open to all new full-time Home and EU undergraduates that are liable to pay tuition fees. These awards are not income assessed, they are based on excellence. If successful, you will be awarded a scholarship for each year of your course subject to satisfactory progress. Scholarships are worth between £1,000 and £10,000 per year. The money you receive doesn’t have to be paid back.

LJMU bursary

The LJMU bursary is automatically paid to eligible students – you do not need to apply for it. The annual bursary is £500, which works out at £1,500 over a three year degree.

LJMU bursaries are means-tested and you don’t have to pay them back; they are intended to help you meet some of the costs associated with being a student.

Tuition fees

In 2018 LJMU will charge Home and EU students a tuition fee of £9,250* for the majority of its full time undergraduate programmes and £6,935* per year for part time courses. You will be charged a fee for each year of your course. The University reserves the right to increase fees up to the maximum permitted by law or government policy in the second and subsequent years of your course. Generally, these fee increases are linked to RPIX inflation (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).

*Subject to parliamentary approval.

The important thing to remember is that you don't have to pay your tuition fees upfront - subject to meeting eligibility criteria, you can take out a tuition fee loan for each year of your course.

You can also take out a maintenance or living cost loan for each year of your course to cover your living expenses, such as rent and food.

You don’t start repaying your student loans until after you’ve left university and start earning at least £21,000.** Please note that the Department for Education who govern student support for students from England have recently announced it intends to increase this threshold to £25,000. This remains subject to parliamentary approval and we will update our website once further information is confirmed.

LJMU is committed to ensuring that students understand the full cost of studying at the University. Your tuition fee will cover or contribute to, as appropriate, expenses associated with your core modules, including:

safety equipment, such as lab coats and goggles

uniforms for nurses, paramedics and other professional placements

UK field trips and other educational visits

student exchanges

DBS checks (Disclosure and Barring Service – formerly CRB)

Professional sector regulatory body membership

** Repayment threshold for students normally resident in England and Wales.

Living expenses (maintenance) loan

In addition to your tuition fees, eligible full-time undergraduate students can also apply for a maintenance loan to cover your living costs. If you’re eligible, you can take out a loan for each year of your course.

The amount you’ll receive will depend on where in the UK you normally live and your household income. This money will be paid into your bank or building society account in three instalments and it’s up to you to budget for your living costs.

The government has stated that it intends to introduce a pro rata maintenance loan for part time students from England from the 2018/19 academic year.

Paying back your student loans

You only start repaying your student loans the April after you have graduated or left university and start earning £21,000* or above. Repayments are based on a percentage of your salary not how much you have borrowed from the Student Loans Company. Repayments are currently set at 9% of any income over the threshold (which is currently set at £21,000).* Please note that the Department for Education who govern student support for students from England have recently announced it intends to increase this threshold to £25,000. This remains subject to parliamentary approval and we will update our website once further information is released.

*Repayment threshold for students normally resident in England and Wales.

Career prospects

There are many career openings for Computer Games Development graduates in:

games development

software engineering

multimedia authoring

interactive media/TV development

In addition, this course will prepare you for a graduate jobs in the wider general computing sectors, such as a computer programmer, software engineer and research and development roles.

Thanks to LJMU's industry-recognised teaching and research excellence in this area, our students are highly sought after by employers both in the UK and overseas and many secure employment before they graduate.

The transferable skills developed on this course are also highly valued in many other fields of employment, including teaching.

CareerSmart programme

All students in their first year of study will have an opportunity to engage with the CareerSmart programme as an integral part of a core module of study. Once you have completed this, a wide range of other career-related provision and services will be available to support your development throughout your studies.

The new CareerSmart e-learning tool will introduce you to the steps involved in making informed choices about your career. It will enable you to consider your strengths and development areas, your career motivators, the options available to you and the necessary steps to take to achieve your career goals.

International Scholarships

Studying at LJMU offers international students excellent value for money and the opportunity to secure an internationally-respected qualification plus outstanding career prospects.

LJMU offers scholarships for international students. The provision and range of these scholarships can change from year to year so it is important that you always check the website for the most up-to-date information. The University also accepts a range of external funding, should you be awarded a scholarship or sponsorship from elsewhere.

International Foundation Year and International Year One programmes

LJMU offers international students the option of completing International Foundation Year and International Year One programmes at the University’s International Study Centre. These courses are managed and taught by Study Group, a world leader in education and training for international students. For more details on the International Study Centre, go to www.ljmuisc.com/

English language qualifications

All international applicants must have an internationally recognised English language qualification, such as IELTS (International English Language Testing Service). Your English language qualification must have been certified within the last two years for verification purposes. LJMU will accept other UKVI-recognised English language tests providing you attain the appropriate level.

This table summarises the minimum scores required by LJMU, although specific course requirements may differ depending on the programme you want to study.

English language support to improve IELTS

If your English language level does not meet the required entry requirements for your course you may still be offered a place on the condition that you successfully complete an English for Undergraduate Study course at LJMU’s International Study Centre.

Tuition fee deposits

International students are liable to pay a minimum deposit of 50% of their tuition fees before their CAS can be issued. The outstanding balance must be paid in full within 4 months of the given enrolment date.

Living Costs

When you apply for your visa or entry clearance, you will need to provide evidence of having enough money to support yourself for the duration of your programme and to pay for all of your living expenses. The good news is that the cost of living in Liverpool is one of the lowest in England, which means your money will go even further, allowing you to enjoy your student experience to the full.

In addition to academic fees, you must budget for living costs such as accommodation, food, clothing, books, local travel and entertainment. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) states that students studying outside London must have £1,015 per month for a maximum of nine months to cover their living costs.

We estimate that a single student living in LJMU-approved accommodation is likely to need an average of £5,000 to cover just their rent for a full academic year.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme Certificate (ATAS)

If you have applied to study an Enhanced Undergraduate Degree (such as an MEng) course at LJMU, you should check if you require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme or ATAS certificate.

Alternatively, contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team for guidance. It is important to note that, if required, an ATAS certificate must be obtained before your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies can be released to you.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Before you can apply for permission to enter or remain in the UK under Tier 4 you will require a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies or CAS. LJMU will only assign a CAS once you have satisfied the conditions of any offer made to you and you satisfy the University’s obligations as a Tier 4 Sponsor. For more details, visit the international students section.

Your visa application

As soon as you have received an offer of a place at LJMU you should contact the Entry Clearance Office at the British Embassy, British High Commission or Consular Office in your own country to check whether you need a visa for entry into Britain. You are advised to do this as soon as you can as the visa application process can take a long time.

Please Note: To obtain an Entry Visa you should go to the British Embassy or High Commission in your own country, and present the following documents:

A declaration of your intent to return home on completion of your course of study

The University may make changes to a programme of study or module where such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Further guidance on programme changes